“Let them come,” said Lionel, as he stooped and kissed the upturned yearning face on his shoulder. “It is better so. When once they have searched and found nothing, we shall be left in peace—our suspense will be at an end. Let them come.”
“But if——?” The terror in her eyes said the rest.
“Fear nothing, dearest. I have no fear myself. They will not find me. Be you but calm and resolute, and all will go well.”
Again the superintendent’s imperative summons sounded through the house.
Husband and wife kissed each other hurriedly; then Lionel disappeared into his hiding-place, and Edith, having made sure that no traces of his presence were visible in the room, glided downstairs, and motioned with her hand for Martha Vince to open the door.
Martha undid the bolts and chains, and flung open the door. Mr. Drayton entered brusquely, followed by two of his men. The remaining two were instructed to wait outside and see that no one quitted the premises without leave.
“Do you always keep your visitors waiting as long as you have kept me?” asked Mr. Drayton roughly, as he advanced into the passage.
Edith came forward out of the parlour, her embroidery in her hands “Before answering your question, sir,” she said, “you will perhaps allow me to ask what your business here may be, or by what right you walk into my house without first obtaining permission to do so?”
“By the right, ma’am, which the law has placed in my hands.” He spoke with more politeness this time, raising his hat as he did so. This was no servant whom he could bully and frighten at will, but a lady, as any one could see at the first glance, and one beneath whose calmly cold and slightly contemptuous scrutiny his own eyes fell abashed and self-confused.
“I fail to apprehend your meaning, sir.”